Basics of Canvas Workspace

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This tutorial is to guide you through the basics of Canvas Workspace. There are two versions and I like BOTH of them.

I personally used the online version for maybe for the first two years that I had my Scan N Cut. The downloaded version of Canvas Workspace was installed on my computer however the online version was so easy and did pretty much everything I needed.

Then one day I needed to to do more….

Out came the downloaded version with its much easier to use text features and its comprehensive layers panel. Neither of these features are in the online version.

These days I still swap between the two a bit however after the recent update to the downloaded version with Brother’s new Fit to Path feature (I love this) and the fact that I am always writing tutorials for you, the downloaded version is getting the guernsey.

What is Canvas Workspace?

If you are very new then you may not be aware of Canvas Workspace.

So what is Canvas Workspace?

Brother’s Canvas Workspace is Brother’s own proprietory software that enables crafters to create their very own personalized designs to cut out on their Scan N Cut cutting machines. I personally really like their software and, another great benefit is that they have a HUGE number of FREE projects specifically designed for the Scan N Cut which can be accessed through either version of Canvas Workspace.

Let’s take a quick look at the two versions.

Online Canvas Workspace

The above picture is the Online version of Canvas Workspace. You can access it at the Brother site and if you bookmark it you will find it easily each time.

Here is the link to get you started: https://canvasworkspace.brother.com/

I also have a more comprehensive post which goes into the differences between the online version and the downloaded version.

Read about the two versions here.

Once you have registered an account, simply log into it, import or create your design, modify to suit your needs and then if you have wifi you can send it to your Scan N Cut.

Easy right?

Sure is, especially after you have had a bit of practice.

It provides the ability to create a design from scratch and has various tools included.

• A large number of basic shapes.
• Lots of borders.
• A handful of fonts inbuilt.
• Some logo’s and commonly used words to save you doing them.
• The ability to use Type Converter to use additional fonts that are installed on your PC.
• Ability to group, align, draw, edit nodes to change shapes, resize and trace images…overall very functional.

You can import SVG and FCM (Brother’s proprietary file type) and edit them as you would like. A LOT can be achieved in the Online version of Canvas Workspace.

Type Converter

This is probably the downside of the online version of Canvas Workspace. While the Type Converter is easy enough to use it doesn’t live inside the software but an additional piece of software.

The picture below is what it looks like.

Type Converter is able to be downloaded from the Brother site. There are instructions when you get there on what to do. Basically, you select your model, agree to their usage policy, download and unzip it.

While it asks for your model number…I can’t see any reason that this is required for the software. I believe it is just Brother’s way of seeing which models are using what features. This isn’t a biggy so don’t be put off by that fact, they are trying to make the best user experience they can for you.

To use the Brother Type Converter you simply type in the text that you want, then select the font, font style and font size you want. Save it to your device and then import into Canvas.

The link to how to use Typeconverter is here to make it easier for you.

Downloaded Version Canvas

The downloadable version of Canvas Workspace has a little bit more functionality. Not a lot, but notable.

What functionality is in the downloaded version? Well all of the choices in the online version like:

• A large number of basic shapes.
• Borders.
• Words.
• Grouping.
• Align.
• Draw.
• Edit nodes to change shapes.
• Resize.
• Trace images.

How do I download Canvas Workspace?

The link to get you started is the same as the online version above: https://canvasworkspace.brother.com/

To download Canvas Workspace you select the black download button and it will automatically install.

What are the differences with the download version of Canvas Workspace

Probably the BIGGEST and most useful difference is that it uses your installed fonts on your PC or Laptop directly into the Canvas program. You don’t need to utilize Type Converter which is a bit clunky. (like an afterthought! )

This is a GREAT improvement!

Layers Panel

Another big difference is that you can see the layers of your project and move between them with a layers panel very similar to Cricut’s Design Space.

A little “eye” enables you to hide and un-hide a layer. Any item that is hidden will not be sent to your Scan N Cut which makes it super simple to manage your layers.

You can also modify a particular layer easily using the panel allowing you to lock layers, alter from cut to draw and label the layer. While most of this can be done in the online version too, you need to make sure you highlight the correct layer in the online version which can sometimes be a bit fiddly trying to highlight the exact layer you want.

I have a comprehensive video tutorial on using the Layers Panel in the tutorial Making a Gnome with Heat Transfer Vinyl. Check it out.

Fit to Path or “Curving Text”

The new Fit to Path feature is notably significant. Fit to Path feature enables you to place a shape onto the mat, type some text and then curve the text around the shape.

Pretty exciting really as it was much more manual previously.

You guessed it…I have a tutorial on how to use the Fit to Path for you if you are interested in learning this. There is also one on using the curves text feature to create a card.

Until next time,

Happy creating

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More information here.

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